What are aspects?

Aspects are the angular relationships between planets in your birth chart. They describe how different parts of your personality interact — whether they work together smoothly, create productive tension, or struggle against each other. Aspects are measured in degrees along the ecliptic.

The major aspects

A conjunction (0 degrees) blends two planets' energies together intensely. A sextile (60 degrees) creates easy opportunity and cooperation. A square (90 degrees) produces tension, challenge, and motivation to act. A trine (120 degrees) brings natural harmony and flow. An opposition (180 degrees) creates awareness through polarity — two forces pulling in opposite directions that need to be balanced. Conjunctions and squares tend to be the most noticeable in daily life.

Orbs and exactness

Aspects do not need to be exact to be felt. An "orb" is the range of degrees within which an aspect is considered active. Tighter orbs (within 1-2 degrees of exact) are stronger and more noticeable. Wider orbs (5-8 degrees) are subtler. The Sun and Moon are typically given wider orbs because their influence is stronger. The tighter the aspect, the more prominent that dynamic is in your personality and life experience.

Hard aspects vs. soft aspects

Squares and oppositions are called "hard" aspects — they create friction, but friction produces energy and growth. Trines and sextiles are "soft" aspects — they describe natural talents and easy flow, but can sometimes lead to complacency. A chart full of trines sounds comfortable, but a chart with squares often belongs to someone who accomplishes more, because the tension drives them to act. Neither type is inherently good or bad.

Reading aspects in context

An aspect between two planets means those parts of your life are connected, for better or worse. Venus square Mars, for example, creates tension between what you desire and how you pursue it — often showing up as passionate but complicated relationship dynamics. Moon trine Jupiter might mean your emotional life has a natural optimism and generosity. The sign and house placement of each planet adds further nuance. Aspects are the wiring diagram of your chart.